Director of Finance - Further Particulars

Background

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are the University of Cambridge’s flagship international scholarship programme and one of the most prestigious in the world. The Gates Cambridge Trust was established in 2000 by a donation of US$210m from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and provides around 90 full cost Scholarships each year to individuals who fulfil the criteria of intellect, leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

The Trustees of the Gates Cambridge Trust includeeminent members of the University, with the Vice-Chancellor acting as Chair. Two of the Trustees are nominated by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Further information about the Trust, its mission and history can be found on the Gates Cambridge website ( Further inquiries should be addressed to the Provost, Professor Barry Everitt FRS at: Jim Smith at: .

Basic Role Description

She/he has charge of and responsibility for all funds and securities of the Trust.

The role reports to the Provost of the Trust on operational matters.

The Director of Finance performs all duties incident to the office of Director of Finance as detailed below, and other such duties as may be assigned by the Trustees or by the Provost.

The role works closely with the Provost and Programme Director as part of the senior management of the Trust.

The Director of Finance is an Officer of the Trust, is appointed by the Trusteesand has a reporting line to the Honorary Treasurer (Trustee) on matters relating to financial governance.

Salary

The salary will be around £62,000 p.a. pro rataand the successful candidate will be eligible to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme.

Detailed Role Description

The Director of Finance is responsible for the financial operation of the Trust. She/he also has responsibility for managing the Trust’s buildings, HR and regulatory compliance affairs. The duties of the Director of Finance include, but are not limited to:

  • Ensuring that monies due and payable to the Trust from any source are properly received and accounted for.
  • Ensuring that all monies are deposited in the name of the Trust in banks, or other appropriate depositories.
  • Preparing budgets and financial forecasts in liaison with the Provost.
  • Authorising all payments by the Trust in accordance with the Annual budget as approved by Trustees.
  • Acting as Secretary to, and being a member of, the Trust’s Investment Committee.
  • Overseeing the Trust’s CUEF holding and managing the operation of the Private Equity Portfolio.
  • Preparing the Trust’s Annual Financial statements for audit.
  • Liaising with the Trust’s auditors, lawyers, bankers and other professional advisers as required.
  • Preparing US and UK tax returns and ensuring that the Trust’s tax affairs are dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Implementing financial procedures and controls.
  • Ensuring legal and statutory compliance for the Trust.
  • Line management of the Accounts Officer and liaison with the Programme Administrator on financial matters.
  • Preparing papers for and attending meetings of the Trustees
  • Meeting with Scholars to discuss funding issues and in consultation with the Provost making fair and unbiased decisions on such issues.
  • Ensuring that the Trust’s buildings (being the Gates Cambridge Offices and Gates Cambridge Scholars’ Common Room) are kept in a fit state, and that repairs and maintenance are carried out as appropriate.
  • Preparing with the Provost of papers for consideration by the Trust’s Remuneration and Employment Committee.
  • Creating and updating HR procedures as required with advice from the Trust’s HR advisers if necessary.
  • Ensuring that all staff have current contracts and that the Trust’s HR procedures are adhered to.
  • Undertaking any other appropriate duties as deemed necessary by the Provost or the Honorary Treasurer.

Person Specification

The appointee will be a graduate with significant experience of working in a senior financial position, ideally in the higher education or charity sectors. They will also have the following qualifications/attributes:

  • Professional Accountancy Qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA etc.).
  • The highest level of personal integrity.
  • Ability to add value to all aspects of the charity’s operation.
  • Experience in working in a small but effective team.
  • Excellent IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel.
  • A high level of written English and experience in writing and presenting reports and papers for consideration at a senior level.
  • The ability to work effectively with people in both junior and very senior roles within the University and Colleges.

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